Editorial – U.S. Sanctions on Elor Azaria: A Misguided Policy Decision

Editorial – U.S. Sanctions on Elor Azaria: A Misguided Policy Decision

What’s wrong with United States foreign policy these days? Recent actions by the Biden Administration suggest that something might be amiss, as it imposes sanctions on another Israeli figure while simultaneously reissuing a sanctions waiver that allows Iran access to over $10 billion in frozen funds. These priorities reflect a policy framework that seems increasingly out of touch with the evolving geopolitical landscape.

In July 2023, President Biden unfroze $10 billion in Iraqi energy payments for Iran’s use, extending the sanctions waiver in November and again in March. The administration consistently claims that these funds are limited to humanitarian purposes, ignoring the reality that money is fungible. Every dollar freed for humanitarian use frees another for less benign purposes, including funding terrorism. Iran, the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism, now has billions more to support its destabilizing activities.

One wonders what exactly this appeasement achieved for the United States. Biden officials once suggested that the funds would buy a pause in Iran’s nuclear activities. The reality has been the opposite. Iran has increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and obstructed international inspectors. A recent Axios report revealed that the Biden Administration had to send a letter expressing “serious concerns” about Iran beginning work on weaponization—an ominous development predicted months ago.

This approach to diplomacy—sending strongly worded letters while continuing to fund the adversary—is not the robust strategy needed to counter a regime like Iran. The administration’s reluctance to cut off financial flows to Tehran is not only ineffective but dangerous, as it fails to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Another flawed assumption was that freeing up funds for Iran would promote regional calm. Instead, we have seen an escalation of violence. Hamas, a well-known Iranian proxy, launched a brutal assault that resulted in the murder of 1,200 Israelis, including dozens of Americans, and continues to hold many Americans hostage. Iran’s other proxies have also ramped up attacks on U.S. forces, and Iran itself fired 120 ballistic missiles at Israel in April. The US response has been abysmal. President Biden advised Israel to refrain from retaliating.

Hezbollah’s continuous barrage of fire on Israel now threatens to spark a broader conflict. Iran, feeling little pressure from the U.S., has no incentive to rein in its proxies. The Biden Administration’s lenient stance only emboldens Tehran, ensuring the “good times” continue for Iran while the region teeters on the brink of a wider war.

The recent U.S. decision to sanction Elor Azaria, a former Israeli soldier who was convicted in 2016 for shooting a neutralized terrorist, represents a troubling and misguided approach to foreign policy. This move, which extends a visa ban to Azaria and his family, has sparked significant criticism within Israel, including from opposition leader Benny Gantz. It raises serious questions about the Biden Administration’s respect for the sovereignty and judicial processes of its allies.

Elor Azaria’s case was a deeply divisive issue in Israel. He was tried, convicted, and served his sentence according to Israeli law. This chapter, which concluded six years ago, should remain closed. The U.S. decision to impose sanctions now is not only unnecessary but also disrespectful to Israel’s judicial system. It suggests a lack of confidence in the legal decisions of a democratic ally and sets a concerning precedent for international relations.

The sanctions against Azaria appear to be an attempt to score political points rather than a measure grounded in justice or strategic necessity. It is puzzling why President Biden would choose to sanction an Israeli citizen, especially one who has already been held accountable by his own country. This action undermines the principles of mutual respect and cooperation that should underpin U.S.-Israeli relations.

The Biden Administration’s approach to the Middle East has been criticized as ineffective and outdated. The events of October 7 and their aftermath have dramatically altered the regional landscape, yet the administration seems slow to adapt. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s assertion, published just before October 7, that “the region is quieter than it has been for decades,” now seems tragically ironic. The reality has been starkly different, with increased Iranian-backed aggression and instability.

On Iran, the administration has failed to achieve its stated goals of deterrence and diplomacy. Instead of curbing aggression, the policy has emboldened Iran, leading to increased attacks on U.S. forces and allies, as well as disruptions in commercial shipping. The notion that unfrozen funds and relaxed sanctions could moderate Iran’s behavior has proven to be a dangerous miscalculation.

The situation demands a reassessment of strategy. The Biden Administration must acknowledge that its current approach is not working. Continuing down this path not only jeopardizes regional stability but also undermines U.S. credibility. What is needed is a firm and decisive policy that holds Iran accountable for its actions and supports allies facing direct threats.

The U.S. sanctions on Elor Azaria are a misguided decision that highlights broader issues within the Biden Administration’s Middle East policy. Rather than addressing the real threats posed by Iran and its proxies, the administration is alienating a key ally and undermining its own credibility. It is time for a decisive shift in policy—one that respects the sovereignty of allies, holds adversaries accountable, and effectively addresses the complexities of the Middle East. Only through such a realignment can the U.S. hope to restore stability and maintain its strategic interests in the region.

It is imperative that the Biden Administration reevaluates its Middle East policy. This includes recognizing the failures of the current strategy and adopting a more assertive stance against Iranian aggression. The U.S. must support its allies unequivocally, rather than penalizing them through misguided sanctions. Respecting the sovereignty and judicial decisions of allies like Israel is not just a matter of principle but also of strategic importance.